Mayor's Minute
I am so honored to have been entrusted with the role of your mayor over the next four years. I look forward to stepping forward with you in our city’s future. A future that is built on collaboration, strong community partnerships, and a commitment to improving the lives of every resident. My message has always been about unity and progress—'Stronger Together' is not just a slogan, but a call to action. As many of you know, our city has faced significant challenges over the years. Some of our neighborhoods have struggled, our infrastructure has aged, and too many of our residents have been left feeling disconnected from the opportunities that should be available to everyone. But today marks a turning point—a turning point where we come together, not as separate entities, but as one unified community, committed to making real change.
The potential of this community is incredible, and we have a responsibility to ensure that every part of Florence thrives. Council members, whether by district or at-large must continue to work together to lift up every part of our community. Balanced investment and support for all areas of Florence are key to ensuring that no one is left behind.
The incredible members of the Florence City Council will continue to work diligently for the citizens of Florence. While we may sometimes disagree, we all agree on key areas of need—areas where investment will have the greatest impact, including:
Affordable Housing: Ensuring that all of our families have access to safe, quality housing they can afford.
Job Creation: Fostering local business growth and providing job training programs that prepare our residents for the economy of tomorrow.
Infrastructure: Updating our utility system, streets, parks, and public spaces to enhance the quality of life for all.
Health and Education: Supporting initiatives that focus on wellness, mental health, and educational opportunities for youth.
Public Safety: Ensuring that our community remains safe and free of criminal elements.
But beyond these physical investments, we have also laid the groundwork for long-term success by supporting the creation of a Community Development Non-Profit Organization. This new organization serves as a bridge between the public and private sectors, coordinating efforts to address the ongoing needs of our neighborhoods, advocating for continued investment, and ensuring that community voices remain at the heart of our development efforts.
This non-profit is a dedicated partner in our mission to create a sustainable future—one where community engagement is not just encouraged but is an integral part of every decision we make.
I want to make one thing abundantly clear: this is only the beginning. We have an ambitious vision for what our city can be, but it’s a vision that can only be realized if we continue to work together. The investments we’re making today are a direct reflection of our belief in our community’s potential and in the power of collaboration. Every step we take, and every dollar we invest, will be done with the goal of making our city a better place for everyone. But we can’t do it alone. We need your continued involvement. We need your ideas, your feedback, and your energy. This is your city, and it’s only through your active participation that we can truly build the kind of community we all deserve.
In closing, I want to express my deep gratitude to each and every one of you for your dedication to making our city a place where opportunity, hope, and pride are within everyone’s reach. Together, we are not just redeveloping neighborhoods—we are building a brighter, more inclusive future for generations to come. Let’s keep the conversation going, listen to each other, and find solutions that benefit everyone. Stronger Together, we will continue advancing Florence – Full Life. Full Forward.